Fluid-based article distribution and sorting system

ABSTRACT

A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member.

FIELD

The disclosure of the application is directed to article distributionsystems and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

Various articles or products are often fed into linear distributionsystems to transport or move those articles or products to one or moredownstream processing stations. Such linear distribution systems,however, have a number of shortcomings. For example, linear distributionsystems generally have a series of gates at various locations along theconveyor. However, since these gates are spread out along the length ofthe conveyor, product can only be fed to one gate at a time. That is, asproduct is transported down the conveyor, the leading product enters thefirst open gate that is encountered. This method of sequentially feedingproduct into gates positioned along a linear conveyor can reduce theefficiency of the available downstream processing stations, while at thesame time increasing the required footprint of the distribution system.

Moreover, while product is being directed to a first gate along theconveyor, processing stations downstream of other gates may be shut downor entered into stand-by modes until the first open gates fill up withproduct. When these packaging stations come back online or re-start,they are more likely to jam or otherwise experience difficulties thanthose machines that are running more regularly.

In addition, because the upstream gates are always fed with productfirst the processing stations associated with those gates tend toreceive significantly more product than the processing stationsassociated with gates further down the line. Thus, over time, thepackaging stations receive unequal use and wear out at different rates.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a radial distribution system for distributing productincludes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radiallyspaced around the internal passageway. The internal passageway extendsfrom a base portion to an upper portion of the radial distributionsystem and has an inlet at the base portion to allow product to enterthe internal passageway. The plurality of openings are radially spacedaround the internal passageway at the upper portion to allow product toexit the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associatedwith at least some of the plurality of openings. The gate members areconfigured to move between an open position that allows product to movethrough the opening associated with that gate member and a closedposition that restricts product from moving through the openingassociated with that gate member.

In some embodiments, a fluid collection area is provided. The fluidcollection area at least partially surrounds the internal passageway andis configured to collect fluid that is discharged from the internalpassageway. In other embodiments, a plurality of product directingmembers define distribution flow paths that extend from at least some ofthe plurality of openings. The product directing members can include aporous portion that extends over the fluid collection area to allowfluid to pass through the product directing members into the fluidcollection area. The porous portions of the product directing memberscan comprise wire cage members. The product directing members can alsocurve as they extend radially from the openings.

In some embodiments, the internal passageway can have a firstcross-sectional area at the inlet and a second cross-sectional area at alocation closer to the openings, with the second cross-sectional areabeing larger than the first cross-sectional area. The internalpassageway can also be generally circular in cross-section along itslength.

In some embodiments, the gate members can be independently operablebetween the open and closed positions, irrespective of the position ofthe other gate members. The gate members can be coupled to the upperportion of the radial distribution system. The gate members can also beconfigured to allow the passage of fluid through the gate members whenthe gate members are in the closed position.

In another embodiment, a method of distributing product is provided. Themethod includes directing fluid and product through an inlet in a lowerportion of a radial distribution system and into an internal passagewayof the radial distribution system, and directing the fluid and product,through the internal passageway to an upper portion of the internalpassageway. The fluid and product can be delivered through a pluralityof openings in the upper portion of the internal passageway and onto aplurality of product directing members. At least a portion of the fluidcan be separated from the product as the product moves across theproduct directing members.

In some embodiments, one or more gate members can be provided, with thegate members being associated with the openings. The gate members can bemovable between an open position that allows the product to flow throughthe opening associated with that gate member and a closed position thatrestricts the flow of product through the opening associated with thatgate member. At least one of the gate members can be closed to restrictthe flow of product through the opening associated with that gatemember. In some embodiments, the internal passageway can have across-sectional area that increases from the inlet to the upper portion,and the act of directing the fluid and product through the internalpassageway to the upper portion of the internal passageway comprisesreducing the velocity of the fluid flowing through the internalpassageway as it moves from the inlet to the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the act of separating the portion of the fluid fromthe product comprises directing the product across a portion of theproduct directing member that is porous, and allowing fluid to passthrough the porous portion of the product directing member into a fluidcollection area. In other embodiments, the method includes deliveringthe product into a product accumulation reservoir that includes thefluid, pumping the fluid and product from the product accumulationreservoir to the radial distribution system, and delivering the fluidfrom the fluid collection area to the product accumulation reservoir.

In another embodiment, a system for distributing product is provided.The system includes a product accumulation reservoir for receivingproduct in a fluid, a radial distribution device, a first fluid flowpath, and a plurality of product directing members. The device has aninlet in a lower portion of the device and an internal passagewayextending from the inlet to an upper portion of the device. The devicealso has a plurality of radially spaced-apart openings in the upperportion of the device. The first fluid flow path extends between theproduct accumulation reservoir and the inlet of the radial distributiondevice. The plurality of product directing members extend radially fromthe openings in the upper portion of the device.

In some embodiments, the system includes a fluid collection area toreceive fluid as it is discharged from the product directing members anda second fluid flow path extending between the fluid collection area andthe product accumulation reservoir. In other embodiments, the fluidcollection area can at least partially surround the internal passagewayof the device. A pump can also be provided and configured to deliverfluid and product from the product accumulation reservoir to the inletof the device.

In some embodiments, a plurality of gate members can be associated withat least some of the plurality of openings. The gate members can beconfigured to move between an open position that allows product to movethrough the opening associated with that gate member and a closedposition that restricts product from moving through the openingassociated with that gate member.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theembodiments disclosed herein will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description, which proceeds with reference to theaccompanying figures.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a fluid-based distribution system fordistributing product to various downstream processing areas.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a fluid-based distribution system.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid-based distributionsystem shown in FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the fluid-based distribution systemshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the fluid-based distribution system shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows the fluid-based distribution system of FIG. 4 withexemplary fluid and product being distributed therein.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid-baseddistribution system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in anyway. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made in thefunction and arrangement of the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Additionally the term “includes” means “comprises.”Further, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally meanelectrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanicallyor chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence ofintermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absentspecific contrary language.

Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methodmay be described in a particular, sequential order for convenientpresentation, it should be understood that disclosed embodiments canencompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequentialorder disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may insome cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further,descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particularembodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to anyembodiment disclosed.

Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not showthe various ways (readily discernable, based on this disclosure, by oneof ordinary skill in the art) in which the disclosed system, method, andapparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, andapparatuses. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms such as“produce” and “provide” to describe the disclosed method. These termsare high-level abstractions of the actual operations that can beperformed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms can varydepending on the particular implementation and are, based on thisdisclosure, readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Distribution systems, such as those described below, function to moveproduct from one location to another for processing. To increaseefficiency, it can be desirable to have a distribution system that iscapable of distributing product relatively equally to multipleprocessing stations. Moreover, since individual processing stationsoccasionally must be shut down or otherwise rendered temporarilyinoperable, it can also be desirable to provide a distribution systemthat can dynamically respond to such processing needs by redirectingproduct from one processing station to another. The radial distributionsystems described herein can permit product to be simultaneouslydirected to a plurality of processing stations or conveyors, and, ifdesired, can be useful to accumulate product and/or redirect productfrom inactive processing stations.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid-based article sorting and distribution system100. In some embodiments, the system comprises a product accumulationreservoir 102, a radial distribution system 104, and a fluid deliverypath 106 through which product can move from the product accumulationreservoir 102 to the radial distribution system 104. Productaccumulation reservoir 102 can comprise a reservoir that contains avolume of fluid 110, such as water, into which product 108 can bedelivered. In some embodiments, product 108 comprises whole potatoes orsweet potatoes. However, it should be understood that other foodproducts can be similarly distributed using the fluid-based articlesorting and distribution systems disclosed herein.

Initially, product 108 can be delivered into product accumulationreservoir 102. Product 108 can be delivered to product accumulationreservoir 102 in any known manner. Thus, for example, product 108 can bedelivered on a conveyor 112 that transports product 108 from a productcollection zone (not shown) into product accumulation reservoir 102. Asshown in FIG. 1, product 108 can simply be dropped into productaccumulation reservoir 102, with the fluid 110 substantially preventingdamage from occurring to the product 108 as it falls. Alternatively,other methods can be used to reduce the distance that product 108 fallsfrom a product feed zone (e.g., conveyor 102). For example, slides orchutes or other such delivery mechanisms can be utilized to reduce thespeed of the product 108 entering the product accumulation reservoir102.

Product accumulation reservoir 102 can be sufficiently large to collectand store a desired amount of product 108 therein. As product 108accumulates in product accumulation reservoir 102, some of the product108 can be drawn out of the product accumulation reservoir 102 and intothe fluid delivery path 106. Fluid delivery path 106 can comprise a pipeor other conduit that has a sufficiently large cross-sectional area sothat fluid 110 can move the product 108 across fluid delivery path 106.Thus, for example, larger diameter product may require larger diameterpiping. A pump 114 can be provided to pump fluid 110, along with product108 in the fluid 110, from the product accumulation reservoir 102. Asproduct 108 is pumped into the fluid delivery path 106, it moves in thedirection of arrow 116 towards the radial distribution system 104.

Radial distribution system 104 comprises an opening (inlet) 118 in fluidcommunication with fluid delivery path 106. An internal passageway 120extends from opening 118 into the radial distribution system 104. As thefluid 110 flows into opening 118 and up the internal passageway 120,product 108 is similarly directed into opening 118 and up the internalpassageway 120. One or more openings 122 in the internal passageway 120allow product 108 to exit the internal passageway 120 and flow into aplurality of distribution flow paths 124.

The fluid 110 is also pumped through internal passageway 120 and out ofthe openings 122. As the fluid 110 exits the openings 122, it flows intoa fluid collection area 126 as shown by arrows 128. From the fluidcollection area 126, the fluid 110 is returned to the productaccumulation reservoir 102 via a return fluid delivery path 130 in thedirection shown by arrows 132. Accordingly, the fluid 110 in thefluid-based article sorting and distribution system 100 operates as aclosed-loop delivery system that delivers product 108 from the productaccumulation reservoir 102 to the radial distribution system 104 andthen is recycled for use again in delivering additional product from theproduct accumulation reservoir 102 to the radial distribution system104.

Product 108 exiting the internal passageway flow into a plurality ofdistribution flow paths 124. These distribution flow paths 124 directproduct 108 in a predetermined direction for additional processing. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, product 108 can be directed to one or moreadditional transport devices 134, such as a twin screw feeder, and thencut into any desired shape by cutting machines 136. Product 108 that hasbeen directed down a distribution flow path 124 and cut by a cuttingmachine 136 can then be bagged and/or subjected to further processing.

Referring again to FIG. 1, to the extent that the fluid delivery path106 has any bends or curves between the product accumulation reservoir102 and the radial distribution system 104, the fluid delivery path 106is preferably relatively straight in the vicinity of opening 118. Byproviding a relatively straight section of fluid delivery path 106 priorto directing fluid 110 (and product 108) through opening 118, turbulencein the flow of fluid 110 can be reduced, providing more efficient andconsistent delivery of product into the radial distribution system 104.In some embodiments, the fluid delivery path 106 comprises a relativelystraight section that extends at least twice the radius of the fluiddelivery path 106 in length from the opening 118 of the radialdistribution system 104.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates a system that utilizes a pump to directfluid and product carried by the fluid into a radial distributionsystem. However, it should be understood that other systems and methodscan be used to direct fluid to a radial distribution system. Forexample, instead of a pump, fluid can be directed to a radialdistribution system using a gravity-powered fluming system that iscapable of providing a requisite amount of fluid (e.g., water) flow tothe radial distribution system to distribute product as describedherein.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate various views of an embodiment of a radialdistribution system 104. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the radialdistribution system 104 and FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofthe radial distribution system 104 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. Asseen in FIGS. 2 and 3, internal passageway 120 is defined by a lowerwall portion 140 and an upper wall portion 142. Lower and upper wallportions 140, 142 collectively define the internal passageway. The termslower and upper refer to relative positions, not to the lowest oruppermost portions of the system. That is, any portion that is above a“lower” portion can be considered an “upper” portion and any portionthat is below an “upper” portion can be considered a “lower” portion.

As best seen in FIG. 3, lower wall portion 140 comprises a generallycylindrical portion that includes opening 118. The diameter (or width)of the generally cylindrical portion is indicated in FIG. 3 is D1. Lowerwall portion increases in diameter (or width) from D1 to D2 as itextends upwards. Similarly, upper wall portion 142 increases in diameter(or width) as it extends upwards. Thus, upper wall portion 142 increasesin diameter from diameter D2 to diameter D3 in the vicinity of theplurality of openings 122. In addition, upper wall portion furtherincreases in diameter from diameter D3 in the vicinity of openings 122to diameter D4 above openings 122. As shown in FIG. 3, D1<D2<D3<D4.

The increase in diameter from opening 118 to openings 122 reduces thespeed that product 108 moves through the internal passageway 120 ofradial distribution system 104 by decreasing fluid flow through thoseareas. Preferably, fluid delivery path 106 is configured with a diameteronly slightly larger than a maximum diameter of the product beingdistributed therein. This configuration allows fluid 110 to flow throughfluid delivery path 106 at a relatively high velocity. High flowvelocities can help reduce the occurrence of plugging of product 108within fluid delivery path 106. However, the velocity within theinternal passageway 120 is desirably lower than the velocity withinfluid delivery path 106. The flaring of the internal passageway 120, inthe manner shown in FIG. 3, functions as a vertical de-accelerator thatreduces the velocity of fluid 110 (and, therefore, product 108) as itmoves through internal passageway 120 to openings 122.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a plurality of openings 122 are provided inupper wall portion 142. Each opening 122 can lead to a distribution flowpath 124 defined by product directing members (e.g., wire cage membersand/or other surfaces that can direct the movement of product from theopenings). FIG. 2 illustrates eight openings 122 that lead to eightdistribution flow paths 124. However, it should be understood thatdifferent numbers of openings and distribution flow paths are possible.Thus, for example, radial distribution system 104 can have as few asthree distribution flow paths or as many as sixteen distribution flowpaths. In some embodiments, it may be possible to have more than sixteendistribution flows paths; however, depending on the product that isbeing distributed, the diameter D3 in the vicinity of the openings 122will likely have to increase significantly to support such a largenumber of distribution flow paths.

Each distribution flow path 124 can include a fluid reduction portion(e.g., a de-watering portion) 146. Fluid reduction portions 146 areconfigured so that fluid (e.g., water) that exits through the openings122 with product 108 can be removed from the distribution flow path 124.In this manner, the fluid 110 can separated from the product 108 and, ifdesired, directed back to the product accumulation reservoir 102 forreuse. As best seen in FIG. 3, fluid reduction portions 146 comprisepathways that have porous areas to allow fluid 110 to pass through thefluid reduction portions 146. Such porous pathways can comprise, forexample, wire cage members that have sufficient structure to preventproduct 108 from passing through the porous areas, while allowing fluid110 to flow downward into a fluid collection area 126. Fluid collectionarea 126 can generally surround lower and upper wall portions 140, 142.Thus, fluid collection area 126 can be defined by the space between anexternal wall surface of lower and upper wall portions 140, 142 and aninside surface of an external wall member 148. One or more outlets 150can be provided to direct fluid 110 from the fluid collection area 126back to the product accumulation reservoir 102.

Distribution flow paths 124 outside of the fluid reduction portions 146can be also comprise porous pathways; however, since a majority of fluid110 has been removed from the distribution flow paths 124 in the fluidreduction portions 146, the distribution flow paths 124 outside of thefluid reduction portions 146 can be formed without any such porousareas.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 distribution flow paths 124 can curve or sweepas they extend from openings 122. The curvature of the distribution flowpaths 124 can be useful for certain product, such as whole potatoes.Whole potatoes (regular or sweet) may roll when exiting openings 122 andentering a distribution flow path 124. Such rolling motion can beundesirable because rolling potatoes tend to move in a somewhat erraticmanner. By curving a distribution flow path 124 in the manner shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, whole potatoes are more likely to slide across thedistribution flow paths 124 in a controlled manner.

A plurality of radially-spaced gate members 152 can be positionedadjacent the openings 122, with each gate member 152 positioned adjacentone opening 122. Each gate member 152 can be configured to be operableto move between an open position and a closed position. In an openposition, a gate member 152 allows product 108 to pass through theopening 122 associated with that game member 152. In the closedposition, the gate member 152 restricts product 108 from passing throughthe opening 122 associated with that gate member 152.

Various configurations for opening and closing gate members 152 can beused. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5, each gate member 152 can bemounted and/or coupled to a gate air cylinder 154, which is configuredto move gate member 152 upward and downward between the open and closedpositions. Alternatively, gate member 152 can be slid open in anotherdirection (e.g., sideways) and/or configured to move between an open andclosed position in other ways, such as by pivoting about a hinge member.Because the gate members can be opened and closed independently, at anygiven time one or more gate members can be in an open position whileother gate members are in a closed position. In addition, it may bedesirable to allow a gate member to be operable in a partially openedposition.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cross-sectional view of the radial distributionsystem 104 illustrates two gates in an open position and one gate in aclosed position. Gate member 152 can comprise an opening-restrictingportion 156. Opening-restricting portion 156 can be a porous member,such as the finger-like structure shown in FIG. 3. Thus, when the gatemember 152 is in the closed position, fluid 110 can still be allowed topass through the “closed” gate member 152. To move the gate member 152into the open position, opening-restricting portion 156 can be moved outof the opening 122. In some embodiments, this can comprise moving theopening-restricting portion 156 upward and away from opening 122. Inother embodiments, the opening-restricting portion 156 can move downwardcausing an opening-permitting portion of the gate member 152 to alignwith the opening 122, thereby allowing product 108 to pass throughopening 122 and enter a distribution flow path 124.

FIG. 6 illustrates radial distribution system 104 in operation. Forconvenience, other elements of the system (such as the fluid feedingtubes or downstream processing stations) are omitted. As seen in FIG. 6,product (e.g., potatoes) can be carried upward towards the top of radialdistribution system 104 by the fluid (e.g., water) until the productencounters an open gate member 152. As the product passes through gatemember 152, the product is de-watered as it passes through and/or overfluid reduction portions 146. The de-watered product then is directedalong the respective distribution flow paths 124.

The substantially random nature of the flow of product 108 through theinternal passageway 120 of the radial distribution system 104 helps tokeep product generally evenly distributed to the various' openings 122.If any gate members 152 are closed, product 108 will circulate withinthe radial distribution system 104 until it encounters a gate member 152that is in an open position. Once product 108 reaches that open gatemember 152, it can exit the opening 122 and move onto the associateddistribution flow path 124.

As noted above, each of the gate members 152 can be separately(individually) opened and closed. Accordingly, if there is a problemwith one of the downstream processing stations, the corresponding gatemember that controls product flow to that processing station can beclosed to prevent additional product 108 from being directed to thatstation.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a radial distribution system204. As in other systems describe herein, radial distribution system 204comprises an opening (inlet) through which fluid and product can bereceived and an internal passageway extending from the opening intoradial distribution system 204. As fluid (e.g., water) flows into theopening and up the internal passageway, product can be directed alongone or more fluid reduction portions 246 or dewatering paths.

After leaving fluid reduction portions 246, product is delivered to abase member 250. In some embodiments, base member 250 substantiallysurrounds fluid reduction portions 246. Base member 250 can beconfigured to retain product if necessary. For example, base member 250can be surrounded by one or more walls 252 that allow for the retentionof product within base member 250.

Product can be directed from fluid reduction portions 246 onto basemember 250. In some embodiments, product can be directed directly fromfluid reduction portions 246 into a plurality of distribution flow paths224. Distribution flow paths 224 can be coupled to base member 250 orotherwise positioned adjacent to base member 250. Openings 254 can beprovided in wall(s) 252 to allow product to pass from base member 250 todistribution flow paths 224. Gate members (not shown) can be providedadjacent openings 254 to control the flow of product through openings254. Gate members can be formed as described above or in other mannersto restrict product from passing through a respective opening 254 in oneconfiguration (a closed configuration) and allow product to pass throughthe respective opening 254 in another configuration (an openconfiguration).

The gate members can be independently controlled in the same manner asother gate members described herein. By closing gate members, thedistribution of product down the respective distribution flow path 224can be interrupted or halted, causing product to accumulate on basemember 250. To direct product accumulated on base member 250 to an opengate member, base member 250 can be coupled to a vibratory mechanism orother such structure capable of moving product radially along basemember 250. In other embodiments, product can be moved radially from aclosed opening 254 to another opening 254 by directing fluid radiallyalong base member 250.

In certain embodiments, one or more gate members can be partially openedin order to adjust the size of the product that is permitted to passthrough that gate member. A so-called “partially opened” gate member canalso include a gate member that is configured with one or more openingsin the gate member to allow product to pass through the gate member whenit is in an otherwise “closed” position. Thus, instead of being a gatemember that is movable to a certain position to expose a gate opening,such a gate member could have one or more openings in the gate memberitself. Such openings could be used to grade or otherwise sort product.For example, the openings could be sized to allow only product havingcertain characteristics to pass through the openings. Thus, for example,such gate members could be used to “weed-out” smaller-dimensioned wholepotatoes from a sorting processing that involved the distribution oflarger-sized whole potatoes.

It should be noted that the dimensional specifications can varydepending on the product that is distributed. In fact, the optimaldimensional specifications of the device can vary significantly for asingle product type (e.g., whole sweet potatoes) in view of naturalvariation of potatoes and commercial preferences for different sizes andcuts of sweet potatoes.

Product that is to be distributed in accordance with the radialdistribution systems described herein can be processed in variousmanners before reaching the distribution system 100. For example,pre-distribution processing can take place upstream of conveyor 112.Such upstream processing station can include, for example, foodprocessing stations such as cutting and/or heating. After leaving theupstream processing station, product can be delivered to the productaccumulation reservoir 102 for delivery to the radial distributionsystem for distribution to one or more downstream processing stations.These further processing stations could include, for example, in thecase of potatoes, cutting machines, frying machines, freezer machines,and/or packaging machines.

In conventional linear distribution systems (so-called “run-around”systems), product that reaches the end of the linear conveyor withoutentering into an open gate is then dropped onto several linear conveyorsto change the conveying direction of the product and return the productto the beginning of the linear conveyor. In contrast, when product isfed into the fluid-based radial distribution systems described herein,product accumulates in the internal passageway 120 of the radialdistribution system 104 until it leaves via an open gate member. Thus,the radial distribution systems described herein do not require complexand lengthy run-around systems to re-cycle product for distribution.Product can be intentionally accumulated for a limited period of time (afew minutes for example depending on the rate of product flow and sizeof the base member) by closing all the gates or quasi-accumulated byclosing enough gates such that the rate of product in flow exceeds therate of product out flow. This has several benefits. The radialdistribution systems described herein eliminate the multiple drop pointsthat “run-around” systems require to re-cycle product Minimizing thenumber of drop points reduces damage to product during distribution.Also, radial distribution system can be more easily cleaned using“clean-in-place” (CIP) technology since it is a relatively compactsystem.

In addition, by using fluid (e.g., water) as the distribution medium,the transfer of product from one location can be “cushioned” by thefluid. Thus, for example, as the product is delivered into the internalpassageway and out of the openings, the fluid can soften the effect ofchanges in height. In this manner, the negative effects associated withconventional systems that require, for example, “dropping” product fromone conveyor to another, can be eliminated and/or greatly reduced.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that theillustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We thereforeclaim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit ofthese claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for distributing product, the system comprising: aproduct accumulation reservoir configured and operable to hold a fluidto receive product; a radial distribution device having an inlet in alower portion of the device and an internal passageway extending fromthe inlet to an upper portion of the device, the device having aplurality of circumferentially spaced-apart openings in the upperportion of the device; a first fluid flow path extending between theproduct accumulation reservoir and the inlet of the radial distributiondevice; and a plurality of product directing members extending radiallyfrom the openings in the upper portion of the device; a second fluidflow path extending between the radial distribution device and theproduct accumulation reservoir.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a fluid collection area to receive fluid as it is dischargedfrom the product directing members.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe fluid collection area at least partially surrounds the internalpassageway of the device.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising apump configured to deliver fluid and product from the productaccumulation reservoir to the inlet of the device.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of gate members associated withat least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members beingconfigured to move between an open position that allows product to movethrough the opening associated with that gate member and a closedposition that restricts product from moving through the openingassociated with that gate member.